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Post by vampishdarkness on Dec 27, 2010 13:17:26 GMT
Hi everyone! Advice needed regarding my Mum's dog! Sky is a white German Shepard. Very challenging toward my Mum and her partner, But otherwise fine with close family (People who she sees on a very regular basis!) Refuses to walk on a lead, Trys to attack anyone whilst out on the lead and also anyone who visits my Mums house! As you all know I have a 4 month old daughter....Sky is not the biggest fan! We have tryed to introduce them a few times but it has never worked and has resulted in Sky trying to 'get' Maisie! What we don't understand is Sky is brilliant with Mum kids aged 9,13 and 17. Any ideas?? Mum is at her wits end worrying about Sky having to be out of the room when we visit etc She does not want to give Sky up as she loves her to pieces....Just don't know what to do Shell x
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Post by dodledeedle on Dec 28, 2010 8:29:46 GMT
As you know dogs are pack animals and they see us as their "pack" there is always a rank amongst them and they have to know whom the leader is,The Alpha dog, seems like Sky is trying to be top dog by challenging your parents, not a good situation with a large dog, sky needs to be shown who is the "pack leader" and where the boundaries lie. I suggest either employing the services of a professional dog handler for a few lessons to show how to deal with this or get your parents to read (and carry out) the actions required to correct Sky's behavior by reading a book/ or Internet info.The way it's normally done is Structure: put sky on a learn-to-earn program. That is, immediately start requiring a sit for everything: food, access to you, toys, or love and affection. As soon as you can, teach your dog down, add that to the Learn-to- earn. Training: work a short 2 minute regimen on the basic commands 3 times a day with sky ( 6 minutes a day to sort their dog) A morning workout on commands is best as it starts each day with expectation of who's doing what for whom, and who's the boss and in command. Hope this helps. Only they can make the difference , so they must be committed to it, otherwise the dog will continue to be bossy and things could escalate with it doing so. Good luck !!!
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Post by elaine on Dec 28, 2010 12:06:14 GMT
Sounds like you are spot on with this one Sharon. Sky has taken over the role of top dog in the home, and your mom needs to take it back, and as soon as. Mark or Andy will no doubt come on and give advise also, but she needs to get a behaviourist in, to show her how to handle Sky, it can be done, if she is prepared to work with the dog.
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Post by vampishdarkness on Dec 28, 2010 17:38:04 GMT
Thank you very much for your advice! I will let my Mum know what you have both said....Fingers crossed that it all gets sorted out soon! She really is a lovely dog at heart she just needs time spent with her obviously!! xxx
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Post by Andy on Dec 28, 2010 22:51:23 GMT
Sharon is right on the money. It is back to basics for mum, what you are seeing and are concerned about is a symptom- not the problem. As soon as mum and OH establish themselves as pack leaders, the dog will submit and follow. Every routine is important from how you greet, give access to food and water, exercise, affection, rewards, etc... so do the homework, make a plan, with behaviorist included if possible, pick a day when they have no commitments and start. A calm assertive pack leader is NEVER challenged by pack members!
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Post by vampishdarkness on Dec 29, 2010 11:24:23 GMT
Thank Andy! I just hope my mum and step dad are going to put the work in!!! x
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Post by Mark on Dec 29, 2010 19:51:24 GMT
Just read this and have to say, I totally agree with what Shaz says and your parents should get a professional BUT they must adhere to the regime or ultimately the problem could get worse as the dog will just end up dominant AND confused. Has she always been like this or is it a new development?
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Post by vampishdarkness on Dec 30, 2010 11:39:34 GMT
Mum got her when she was approx 10 weeks old....This problem has gradually gotten worse!
Sky has never liked walking on the lead...She cowers when you go near her with her lead....This unfortunatley has lead to her not being walked much at all if im honest, As much as I love my mum I dont honestly think she has put enough effort into training Sky!
I knwo for a fact that bigs dogs need at the least one good walk a day but she just is not getting this...My mum cant handle her anymore and step dad refuses to take her due to her snapping and snarling at everyone she passes!
Sky has always been very nervous for some reason...Once she trusts someone she is a lovely dog but unfortunatley its not as easy to introduce her to a baby lol!
Im going upto my mums today so will tell her all the advice you have all given! Thank you very much...I just hope that they are willing to take the time for Sky to be trained!
xx
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Post by vampishdarkness on Dec 30, 2010 18:21:01 GMT
Hello Everyone. I have been to visit my Mum today...We had a very long disscussion about Sky. I know that you will all judge my Mum for what im going to tell you now...But I cant do anythign about that one really Anyway after much talk about what is best for Sky herself Mum has decided that it would be better for Sky if she was to find another owner...WHo would be willing to put in the time to train Sky and give her all the attention she deserves! I would gladly have Sky to come and live with me but Maisie and Ruby come first and it just would not be suitable! I don't really know what else to say to you all! Im shocked by Mums descion to...But I suppose its her choice at the end of the day and she is just doing what she thinks is best. Do any of the staff know where it would be best to take Sky? As in a rescue as my Mum has apparently tryed to rehome her herself but due to Skys behaviour this has not been sucessful. Sorry to have to ask you this xx
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Post by dodledeedle on Dec 31, 2010 8:20:39 GMT
I actually think your mum is right!! She can't devote the time and energy needed to correct sky and therefore sky would be happier if she had regular walks and structure in her life! Well done you for talking to mum couldn't have been easy, but it's whats best for sky that matters !! You could advertise sky but say needs extra training? That way they would know what they taking on.
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Post by vampishdarkness on Dec 31, 2010 10:19:24 GMT
Thank you Sharon! Your exactly right, its not fair on Sky to stay in this situation as she is not getting what she needs living at mums! She needs someone who is willing to devote the time and effort she needs!
Mum has advertised her before and either when they have explained the situation on the phone the caller has said 'not interested now' Or they have come to visit and Sky has not shown herself well at all...But they are not prepared to visit a few times so Sky can get to know them and trust them??
xxx
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Post by elaine on Dec 31, 2010 10:39:58 GMT
Tell your mom to get in touch with a German Shep rescue, and see if they will take her. Google it on the net, as there are several. She may have to wait a while for a place, but i think this would be the best option for her.
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Post by vampishdarkness on Dec 31, 2010 11:52:44 GMT
Thank Elaine, I will look into it for her xx
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helby
lucifers sidekick
Posts: 902
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Post by helby on Dec 31, 2010 14:02:37 GMT
Hard decision but the best in the long run for Sky...Good Luck in finding a replacement forever home, and give your Mum a hug from all of us x
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Jackie
Demon poster
Posts: 743
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Post by Jackie on Dec 31, 2010 16:36:32 GMT
Your Mums very brave to make that decision, and I agree it sounds like the right one. Hope she finds a new home for her soon, hugs from me too xx
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jude291
lucifers sidekick
Lottie,Heidi & Merlins mum
Posts: 900
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Post by jude291 on Dec 31, 2010 19:12:00 GMT
After having to make a very similar decision myself about one of my dogs its a very sad and terrible situation to be in but it has to be the right decision for all and its not always an easy one. Good luck to your mum and to Sky,hope she finds somewhere right for her.
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Post by vampishdarkness on Jan 1, 2011 12:22:44 GMT
Thank you all so much for being understanding! As long as Sky is happy then we will all be happy! Its just such a shame! She wont be budging untill we find her the perfect home though!!
Happy New year to everyone xxx
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